Navigating Juvenile Delinquency In India: Causation And Structured Prevention Programs
- IJLLR Journal
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Shahid Ahmad Syed Bukhari, Research Scholar (LLM), School of Law, University of Kashmir.
Rabia Rashid, Research Scholar (LLM), School of Law, University of Kashmir.
ABSTRACT
Juvenile delinquency has emerged as one of the most serious social and legal challenges in India, affecting not only young offenders but also their families, victims and society at large. Criminal behaviour among juveniles creates deep-rooted psychological, social and economic consequences. While victims of crime are the most visible sufferers, the families of juvenile offenders also endure stigma, emotional suffering and financial instability. In several instances, juveniles involved in heinous crimes such as rape, murder and robbery exhibit psychological disorders, unstable family environments and substance dependency. Regular exposure to alcohol, drugs and criminal surroundings at an early age increases the likelihood of repeated offending. This research paper critically examines the psychological, social and legal dimensions of juvenile delinquency in India. It further analyses the juvenile justice system, the judicial approach to determining juvenility and the procedural safeguards available to juveniles, with reference to important judicial decisions. The study also traces the historical evolution of juvenile justice legislation in India and emphasises the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration rather than retribution.
Keywords: Child, Juvenile, Delinquency, Crime, Juvenile Justice Law.
